Anthony Joshua believes Francis Ngannou is “a good addition” to heavyweight boxing: “I thought this whole crossover thing wasn’t serious”

Anthony Joshua believes that Francis Ngannou serves as a positive addition to the heavyweight boxing landscape.

Tomorrow night, Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou will collide in a blockbuster clash in Saudi Arabia. It serves as Ngannou’s second professional bout since beginning his venture into professional boxing, following on from an extraordinary performance against Tyson Fury. While he has plans to return to MMA later in the year, his main focus right now is on the squared circle.

For Anthony Joshua, this is a high risk contest for him. While he’ll be getting a big payday, he also knows the risks involved with taking on such a big power puncher.

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In a recent interview, AJ spoke candidly about the positives of having Ngannou in the sport.

Joshua’s Ngannou view

“I thought this whole crossover thing wasn’t serious,” Joshua told MMA Junkie on Friday. “If I would’ve taken a crossover fight, people would’ve been like, ‘What the F is Anthony Joshua doing?’ I wouldn’t have been able to walk out of my house. But now people are taking it more seriously because of the last fight (with Tyson Fury). So it helped as well to get me motivated and take the fight, because it gives me a chance to show how great I am.”

“People have put dents in me,” Joshua said. “I’ve still managed to do well. I’ve seen him. People have never put a dent in him. Don’t bank on putting a dent in him because you’re going to come up short, so find another way. That’s why I believe there’s so many ways to skin a cat. Has he lost before? Yeah. So there is a blueprint.”

“He’s a boxer (now),” Joshua said. “It’s his choice (if he wants to go back to MMA). I think he’s a good addition. He adds some global supporters as well. … It’s great for boxing as a whole.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

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